Your Personal Anti-Viral Protection Plan
Practical advice on how to avoid getting sick
By Adrienne M. Smith
We all look forward to getting back to work, but along with our anticipation is a sense of hesitation. We are constantly reminded about the growing infection rate and death toll, despite our challenging efforts to “Flatten the Curve.” To reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, or at least minimize its effects if you become infected, you must take a proactive approach to support your immune system.
Like a Zombie, a virus cannot be killed because it is not living. It only starts wreaking havoc when it comes in contact with a host (you), binding to our cells and multiplying. One reason COVID-19 has captured our attention is that it duplicates so quickly.
The main threat of COVID-19 is causing fluid to accumulate in the tiny air sacs in your lungs, preventing oxygen from getting into your bloodstream. The body reacts to this threat by causing inflammation (swelling) that overwhelms the body. COVID-19 also attacks the protective mucus lining of the lungs, GI tract, heart, and kidneys, causing the most damage to the lungs.
Although anyone can become a host of this virus, it’s estimated that one third who test positive for it will show no symptoms. Those most likely to contract it and suffer ill effects are those with pre-existing medical conditions. Obesity and diabetes top the list as the highest risk factors, but here are a few others:
— Autoimmune conditions
— Chronic neurological diseases
— Chronic liver or kidney disease
— Chronic pulmonary disease
— CVD
— Hypertension
— Radiation therapy
What these conditions suggest is that the only thing that can control the virus is the host. Social distancing has been aggressively promoted as a way to avoid contracting the virus. This approach can certainly slow the infection rate, giving the medical system more time to find effective treatments (and eventually a vaccine).
As restrictions are lifted and life returns to the “new normal,” it becomes less likely to avoid exposure to it. More specifically, it’s important to find ways to support your natural immune system that helps your body deal with the virus.
Anti-Viral Lifestyle Action Plan
In all the numerous pandemic models that analyze the spread of COVID-19, one variable is constant: Those who are most likely to be hospitalized or die from the virus have compromised immune systems. It therefore makes sense to find ways to support it, starting with specific lifestyle choices. Here are five factors that will make a difference:
- Exercise. Those who exercise regularly are generally known for being less sick, and this includes contracting viruses. Couch potatoes listen up, as a study published in 2019 concluded the following, “Regular exercise may help prevent or reduce the severity of ARDS for those with coronavirus. A single session of exercise increases the production of a critical antioxidant, called EcSOD, helping to reduce the effects of COVID-19 infection.”
- Time-restricted feeding. A fast doesn’t have to last for days – it can be in the form of a fast lasting 12-16 hours. The fast should start after consuming breakfast, and while you are moving around burning energy. This approach, along with eating at the same time each day and avoiding snacking, will reduce the number of daily insulin spikes.
- Sleep. Charles Poliquin was a huge advocate in getting the optimal amount, and quality, of sleep. The studies are all over the place as to hours per night and when is the perfect time to sleep and wake. The quality of the sleep, however, is never a debate. Turning off Wi-fi, keeping your cell phones in another room, making sure the room is dark and on the cooler side, and journaling to clear your mind are little ways to help the quality of your sleep.
- Environment. As much as possible, avoid everyday toxins by keeping your home free of harsh chemicals. Use natural cleaning and beauty products, keep your house free of dust, and raise the humidity to support the airways and needed mucus.
- Food choices. Consuming processed foods, sugars, gluten, and bad fats lead to inflammation. These foods are the root cause of most diseases, primarily obesity and Type-II diabetes. Look for good fats, clean, organic veggies, and grass-finished meats. Alcohol consumption is another huge issue.
With this foundation of lifestyle disease prevention and control, consider the role nutritional supplements can play in this war against the invisible enemy.
Immune Support Supplements that Work!
As much as we would love just to eat good food designed by nature to provide such assistance, the micronutrients needed to control the multiple systems of the body are no longer there. Due to poor soil quality and nutrient-destroying processing, our food today is not as nutritious as it once was. As such, supplementation is necessary.
Vitamin C is undoubtedly a powerful viral-fighting supplement, but it’s not the only one. The following Designs for Health supplements are listed according to their ability to aid in immune support or their anti-viral properties. Choose 2-3 based on preference and availability, then changing them every two months to determine which you respond to best.
Here is a list of Designs for Health supplements that are great for supporting the immune system. Selecting 2-3 based on preference and availability is a good start, and try alternating them every few months to see what works best for you and to make sure to target the immune system in multiple ways.
- Alpha-Lipoic Acid
300mg per day, DFH Lipoic Acid Supreme - Quercetine (AMP-activated protein. Nitric oxide synthase pathway. Anti-inflammatory)
600 mg per day, DFH Quercetine + Nettles - Melatonin (anti-inflammatory)
3-9mg per day, DFH Melatonin - Omega-3 (anti-inflammatory. Prohibits the expression of inflammasome genes in adipose tissue.)
2 per day, DFH Omegavail Ultra with Vitamins D3, K1, and K2 (i.e., 1g per pound of BF per day) - EGCG (Green tea) (anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant. Beneficial in CVD)
378mg a day, DFH EGCG - Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) (anti-inflammatory)
600mg 3x daily - Spore-based Probiotics
1 cap after every meal, DFH ProBioSpore - Vitamin C
1000mg 3x daily, DFH Liposomal C - D3 (shown to reduce acute respiratory tract infection)
10,000 iu daily in acute phase. Charles suggested 50,000 per week in a bolus until RBC levels are normal. DFH Emulsi-D3 Synergy - Glutathione (anti-oxidant)
250-100mg per day, DFH Liposomal Glutathion - Zinc (Gatekeeper of immune function)
20-40mg per day, DFH Zinc Supreme - Elderberry (reduce IL-16, IL-6, TNF-a, ROS. Beneficial flavonoids and phenolic acids)
600mg daily, DFH ImmuneBerry Liquid
As Spiderman would say, with great freedom comes great responsibility! There is no cure for the COVID-19, but the specific steps described here can help prevent you from becoming another unfortunate public health statistic. Stay safe!
References
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